South of Block, it’s a term often used by anglers along the Northeast Coast of the Atlantic Ocean. This quotation stands especially true for offshore sinker bouncers and tuna fishermen alike. These days the term South of Block is used quite frequently compared to the long days of yesteryear when a trip to the tuna and tilefish grounds was mainly done on 2 or 3 day open boat trips or an over nighter aboard a stable charter boat.
Since the start of the Millennium the aerodynamic styles of boats manufactured along with the state of the art engines that are built to get fanatic offshore rod benders to their tuna, tilefish, cod and most offshore bottom dwellers destination at a fraction of time it took as recent as 25 years ago. And to add sunshine to the blue sky, the abundance of baitfish practically jumping on most beaches up and down the Northeast has brought a plethora of pelagic species feasting upon the super abundant myriad of baitfish that that keep the pelage’s well fed and sticking close to shore. With that said, bluefin and yellowfin tuna surprisingly jumped on the bandwagon and at times been caught as close as 5 miles from the ocean beaches of Massachusetts to New Jersey.
According to Nuno DeCosta owner and proprietor of Tyalure Professional Tackle and Gear in Rye New York replied, “This phenomenon is more exception then the rule.” As one of the best tuna fishermen along the Northeast Coast, I reached out to Nuno and asked him if he would so kind as to share some tutelage and experience with Fisherman readers concerning tuna and bottom fish South of Block during the months of August and September. Nuno started by explaining that both bluefin and yellow tuna are structure reliant species which the waters just a few mile south of Block Island to 50 miles off the island are tailor made, with canyons, walls, ledges, and banks that are all held up by rocks and hard coral which becomes a safe haven for small fishes seeking refuge from predators like tuna, marlin and swordfish just to name a few. What makes these areas so rich with life is the Gulf Stream, running along the edge of the Northeast Canyons. It’s the warm water current that brings with it an abundance of life, filling the waters south of Block with all types of groundfish, pelagic and of course many species of baitfish.
Warm water eddies and current pockets branch off from the Gulf Stream, creating ideal avenues for all these species of fish to travel and hunt. These branches of warm water can extend as far north as Block Island Sound which equates to less travel time and more fishing time.
Nuno suggests during August and September starting at the Windmill Farm which is visible on a clear day looking southeast of Block Island. According to Nuno these windmills and all its close proximities are chock full of structure that not only attracts groundfish such as monster fluke and sea bass during August, but also bluefin, and bigeye tuna. Longfin albacore also enjoy hunting these waters and at times there are short lived spurts of yellowfin tuna as well. From the windmills, you’re within 20 to 30 miles of popular spots like the Gully, Tuna Ridge, the Suffolk Wreck, Coxes Ledge, CIA Grounds, Butterfish Hole, the Horns, and the northeast and northwest corners of the Dump.
According to Nuno, The Dump is the ideal area to connect with bluefin and bigeye. The Dump 40.49.701 N 70.45.468 W is a 10 X 10 Square Mile dumping ground of demolished and unusable debris that over time becomes a breeding ground for all types of barnacles and crustaceans. Over time the bottom contour has become something like an artificial reef, attracting all types of species including barrelfish, wolffish and pollack. The Dump is a prime target for anglers seeking bluefin, bigeye tuna and albacore. As for the most productive tactics and tackle for success, Nuno would suggest during August into September to troll during the day and to use bait at night.
As for trolling, Nuno and his crew use spreader bars manufactured by Sterling. Nuno says hands down, glow color squid chains are his favorite since the glow is just as productive during the day as during the nighttime. Rigged ballyhoo trolled will also grab the attention of any tuna in the area as well as a marlin or swordfish should they be passing through.
During the dark hours, cut butterfish and sardines take over the bite. Doling out some freebies like small pieces of butterfish and sardine will help get the speedsters to the boat along with some pretty large squid which wouldn’t be a bad idea to catch a few and send them back live lining, which is a tuna killer, especially if the tuna put on a finicky act with the cut bait.
A contingency plan is paramount. After all this is tuna fishing and their taste buds can change at a drop of a dime. Therefore be sure to have spinning gear on board should you need to resort to plugs and jigs. An assortment of poppers, surface and deep diving plugs along with an assortment of soft plastics such as paddle tails, swim shad and whiptails. Don’t forget the metals which include butterfly jigs, diamond jigs and sushi jigs. Remember the terminal end with hooks, swivels, extra braid and most relevant: fluorocarbon leader material.
Lastly, if the speedsters should have a case of lockjaw, no reason to go home empty handed as a stop at the windmill most certainly will oblige by icing down a box full of big and tasty black sea bass and a few monster fluke. The area is enormous and loaded with plenty of fine eats to bring home to the dinner table. Incidentally, everything you need from bottom fishing in the deep, including gear for tilefish and swordfish to 1,000 pound bigeye, you’ll find it at 180 Theodore Fremd Ave. in Rye New York. Whether you are located on Long Island, the New England States or metro New York, a stop at Tyalure Professional Tackle and Gear is a must. Nuno and his staff will be happy to help with their expert advice on their top brand items. You can also purchase what they carry online at Tyalure.com.
